The Art of Good

The Good Network
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  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to The Art of Good, the podcast where we dive deep into the stories of non-profit leaders that are making a difference for good and the great causes they support. Join host John Cervenka, co-founder and CEO of Starfish Social Media, as we explore the missions, challenges, and successes of these leaders. Each episode brings you closer to the heartbeat of goodwill and helps uncover the art and science behind how to truly activate a mission that impacts countless others.

  1. The Science of Doing Good w. Brad Calhoun

    02/28/2025

    The Science of Doing Good w. Brad Calhoun

    In this episode of The Art of Good, I sit down with Brad Calhoun, a man whose life journey has spanned acting, ministry, academia, and now psychology. Brad shares his fascinating story—growing up in a family deeply rooted in service, navigating careers in film, faith, and education, and his ongoing pursuit of a PhD in psychology. Together, we explore the science behind doing good—why acts of kindness and service positively impact both the giver and the receiver, and how behavioral psychology supports the idea that giving is essential for well-being.  00:00 Introduction and Mission 00:18 Meet Brad Calhoun 01:49 Brad's Upbringing and Family Values 05:33 College and Career Path 10:17 The Intersection of Faith and Acting 14:20 The Science of Doing Good 19:47 Behavior and Cognitive Therapy 23:27 Encouraging the Next Generation 36:40 The Importance of Mental Health 40:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka Check out John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-cervenka-32615413/ Follow Brad on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/P3flvIvVq6Ul9CHoba5sAztRsDh2 Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/  What to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

    41 min
  2. The Power of Lived Experience w. Brian Ulf

    02/13/2025

    The Power of Lived Experience w. Brian Ulf

    Want to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/  "You can’t just put someone in housing and expect them to get better. They need community, support, and purpose." Today, we have an incredible conversation lined up with my good friend Brian Ulf. Brian is the CEO of SHARE!, the Self-Help and Recovery Exchange, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing and self-help support for people in need. But before taking on this role, Brian was one of Los Angeles’ top commercial real estate brokers. During our conversation, Brian shares his personal story of growing up in a high-pressure environment, struggling with addiction, and ultimately finding recovery. He talks about his passion for helping others, the importance of self-help, and how SHARE! is making a real impact by providing immediate housing and peer support. If you're looking for an insightful conversation on transformation, leadership, and making a difference, this is the episode for you. 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Meet Brian Ulf 07:25 Struggles and Turning Points 09:08 Brian's Involvement in Nonprofits 14:26 Transition to CEO of SHARE! 19:47 The Mission and Impact of SHARE! 26:23 Building Social Connections Through Shared Activities 27:03 Promoting Self-Help and Support Groups 27:55 Collaborative Housing and Its Impact 28:31 Challenges and Adaptability in Nonprofit Work 30:16 Understanding and Leading with Empathy 35:56 Funding Streams and Strategic Pivoting 38:01 Highlighting Other Nonprofits 42:28 Support During Disasters 44:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Connect with the causes that mean the most to Brian:  Homeboy Industries: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-4800735 West Coast Care: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/20-5340904  Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka Check out John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-cervenka-32615413/ Follow SHARE! On Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-6092809-1 Check out SHARE! on: https://shareselfhelp.org/ Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

    47 min
  3. Branding for Nonprofits w. RJ Murray

    01/30/2025

    Branding for Nonprofits w. RJ Murray

    Want to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/ Branding is more than a logo – It’s about awareness, perceived quality, associations, loyalty, and a clear value proposition. In this episode of The Art of Good, I have an incredible conversation with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and branding expert RJ Murray. RJ shares why branding is much more than just a logo and how nonprofits can leverage brand strategy to elevate their mission. Whether you’re leading an organization, sitting on a board, or simply passionate about making a difference, RJ’s insights will help you improve your communication strategies.  00:00 Welcome 00:30 Guest Introduction: R.J. Murray 01:26 R.J.'s Background and Family Influence 04:53 College Years and Early Career 07:21 Acquiring and Running Murray Brand Communications 09:16 Branding Essentials for Nonprofits 19:08 Key Questions for Nonprofit Leaders 29:31 Importance of Social Media in Branding 33:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with the causes that mean the most to RJ:  Salvation Army: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/94-1156347 American Red Cross: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/53-0196605  St. Jude Memorial Foundation: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-3607229  Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka Check out John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-cervenka-32615413/ Follow Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-1648180 Check out RJ on: https://murraybrand.com/ Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

    37 min
  4. Planting Seeds of Hope w. Ronnetta Johnson

    01/02/2025

    Planting Seeds of Hope w. Ronnetta Johnson

    Want to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/  In this episode of The Art of Good, I’m thrilled to sit down with Ronnetta Johnson, CEO of Waymakers, a transformative nonprofit based in Orange County, California. With decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Ronnetta has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families overcome challenges, find hope, and build better futures. Our conversation spans Ronnetta’s inspiring journey—from growing up in the Rocky Mountains and discovering her passion for service to her current role leading a 368-member team at Waymakers. Ronnetta shares insights about the power of community, the importance of personalized support, and how nonprofits can embrace change and technology to amplify their impact. 00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement 00:21 Meet Ronnetta Johnson: CEO of Waymakers 02:57 Early Career and Inspiration 04:36 Joining Waymakers and Career Growth 09:18 Waymakers' Mission and Impact 16:41 Challenges and Leadership Insights 28:59 The Importance of Technology and Community Support 34:07 Conclusion and Call to Action Connect with the causes that matter most to Ronnetta: Fieldstone Leadership Network: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/33-0103025  OneOC: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-2021700  Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka Check out John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-cervenka-32615413/ Follow Ronnetta on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-3167866 Check out Ronnetta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnetta-johnson-82aba98/ Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

    35 min
  5. Revolutionary Stewardship at Berkeley w. Rich Lyons

    12/19/2024

    Revolutionary Stewardship at Berkeley w. Rich Lyons

    Want to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/  There’s power in loving what you do. In this episode of The Art of Good, I have the honor of sitting down with Rich Lyons, the Chancellor of UC Berkeley. Rich is an economist, an academic, a musician, a father—and above all, a visionary. From his early days growing up in Los Altos to his groundbreaking work shaping the culture at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Rich shares insights about leadership, resilience, and how UC Berkeley fosters resourcefulness, and a sense of agency in its students. His reflections on “confidence without attitude” and “questioning the status quo” show why Berkeley stands out as an institution. 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Meet Rich Lyons 07:17 Returning to Berkeley: A Dream Come True 09:07 The Unique Culture of Haas School of Business 12:53 Berkeley's Commitment to Free Speech 15:00 Institutional Neutrality and Reinvention in Education 23:21 The Importance of Optimism and Empathy 26:38 Balancing Leadership and Presence 33:15 Embracing Technology in Nonprofits 35:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka Check out John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-k-cervenka-32615413/ Check out Rich on: https://haas.berkeley.edu/faculty/lyons-richard/ Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

    37 min
  6. Stories of Bravery w. John Shertzer

    12/05/2024

    Stories of Bravery w. John Shertzer

    Want to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/  This week on The Art of Good, I had the absolute privilege of speaking with John Shertzer, the Executive Director of the Medal of Honor Foundation. Let me tell you, this conversation is one for the books. John is a passionate nonprofit leader, a community builder, and someone deeply committed to shaping lives of honor and service. Together, we explored the transformative power of storytelling, the humbling experiences of working alongside Medal of Honor recipients, and how nonprofits can stay true to their mission while evolving to meet the needs of future generations. Support the Causes that matter most to John Shertzer: The Gary Sinise Foundation: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/80-0587086  Tunnel to Towers: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/02-0554654  Bob Woodruff Family Foundation: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/26-1441650  00:27 Guest Introduction: John Shertzer 01:06 John's Early Life and Influences 03:36 Leadership and Compassionate Skills 05:24 Journey to Nonprofit Career 09:13 Medal of Honor Foundation: Mission and Impact 13:40 Stories of Valor and Humility 17:02 Challenges and Vision for the Future 24:25 Encouragement for Nonprofit Leaders 27:21 Importance of Technology in Nonprofits 29:24 Recognizing Other Great Organizations 31:47 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka Send John an Email: info@starfishapp.com  Follow John Shertzer on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/mohf Check out John on: https://www.cmohs.org/foundation/overview Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

    33 min
  7. Nonprofit Excellence w. Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez

    11/25/2024

    Nonprofit Excellence w. Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez

    Want to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/  In this episode, I sit down with Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez, the powerhouse CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. Fatima’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—starting as a passionate volunteer and development associate, she has risen to lead one of the largest chapters of RMHC in North America. We discuss her early days in the nonprofit world, the pivotal moments that shaped her path, and her innovative approach to leadership and fundraising. Fatima opens up about the challenges of balancing family and a demanding career, how her spiritual and cultural influences drive her mission, and her commitment to empowering underserved communities.  Support the causes that matter most to Fatima:  Proyecto Pastoral: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-3213958  Homeboy Industries: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-4800735  Dolores Huerta Foundation: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/91-2145992  YMCA: https://www.ymca.org/  Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern CA: https://rmhcsc.org/;  https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/95-3167869  Follow John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka  Send us an email: info@starfishapp.com  Follow Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/kK3hKUh9T3YFbmIuxdGDSMcLtvM2 Check out Fatima on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatimadr Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

    39 min
  8. Michael Young’s Playbook for Patience and Purpose

    11/14/2024

    Michael Young’s Playbook for Patience and Purpose

    Want to start your philanthropic journey? Find, connect, and support the causes that mean the most to you with Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/  In today’s episode, I had the honor of sitting down with my longtime friend, Michael Young. Michael’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary, and I’m so excited to share his inspiring story with you. From a 10-year career in the NFL to leadership roles with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Dodgers, to serving as Executive Director at the Foundation at Hearst Castle, Michael has always found ways to make an impact both on and off the field. In our conversation, we explored themes of patience, perseverance, and the power of giving back—qualities that resonate deeply with nonprofit leaders and anyone working to create meaningful change. 00:32 Guest Introduction: Michael Young's Accomplishments 01:35 Michael Young's Early Life and High School Journey 04:32 College Years at UCLA 06:13 Transition to Professional Sports 08:48 Challenges and Lessons Learned 11:43 Advice for Nonprofit Leaders 16:45 Philanthropy and Giving Back 22:13 Hearst Castle Foundation: Vision and Impact 29:51 Embracing Technology in Nonprofits 32:47 Documentary on Emmett Ashford 38:33 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Connect with John Cervenka on Starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/profile/johncervenka  Send us an email: info@starfishapp.com  Support the causes that matter most to Michael:  Called Up Documentary: https://calledupdocumentary.com/  The Foundation at Hearst Castle: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/77-0068533  Boys and Girls Club of America: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/35-2129067  Young Life: https://www.starfishapp.com/non-profit/84-0385934  Are you a non-profit that wants to connect with current supporters, amplify your marketing efforts, and attract new supporters and new donors to your cause? Check out starfish: https://www.starfishapp.com/

    43 min
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About

Welcome to The Art of Good, the podcast where we dive deep into the stories of non-profit leaders that are making a difference for good and the great causes they support. Join host John Cervenka, co-founder and CEO of Starfish Social Media, as we explore the missions, challenges, and successes of these leaders. Each episode brings you closer to the heartbeat of goodwill and helps uncover the art and science behind how to truly activate a mission that impacts countless others.

Information

  • Creator
    The Good Network
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Good Network
  • Show Website
    The Art of Good